Our Programs

Elementary Program: An Overview

The Elementary Montessori teacher education program (6-12 years) allows adult learners to explore the dynamic changes in children during this time of imagination, growth and increased independence. Focusing primarily on the development of children and the philosophy of Dr. Montessori, teachers gain a strong understanding of and appreciation for this age group.

The Institute offers two programs of Montessori teacher education at the elementary level:

Elementary I & II (ages 6-12)

Elementary I (ages 6-9)

The Elementary I & II program involves a fifteen-month course of study consisting of two eight-week summer academic sessions with a nine-month elementary Montessori teaching practicum experience. Adult learners return to the Institute for a seven-day mid-year seminar during the practicum year.

The Elementary I program involves a thirteen-month course of study beginning with an eight-week summer session followed by a nine-month elementary Montessori teaching practicum experience. Adult learners return to the Institute for a seven-day mid-year seminar during the practicum year and then again for a two-week wrap-up session the following June.

An Elementary adult learner who does not hold an Early Childhood Montessori credential must complete the Institute’s Elementary Preparatory Course offered during the first summer. Upon completion of all requirements, adult learners are recommended to the American Montessori Society for the Elementary Credential.

Class sessions are comprised of lectures and discussions, demonstrations, practice sessions and material making. Adult learners discover the process of learning and how to best facilitate this process in their own classroom environments. The practicum experience allows adult learners to work in a Montessori classroom under the guidance and supervision of an experienced Montessori teacher from a MACTE accredited teacher education program from September through June.

A Deep Grounding in Montessori Philosophy

Maria Montessori, the person

The nature of the elementary child

The role of imagination

Education to develop the full human potential

Develop critical thinking skills

Moral and ethical education

The role of the elementary Montessori teacher

Practical Child Psychology

The developmental stages of childhood

The development of logic and moral reasoning

The continuing development of independence and "controls from within"

Encourage imagination and creativity

Classroom Management

Creative environmental design

Build a peaceful community

Organizational skills

Effective record-keeping

Communications with parents

Elementary Practical Life Skills

Care of the class environment

Planning events and field trips

Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills

Language Arts

Advanced phonics

D'Nealian writing and calligraphy

Word study

Grammar and sentence analysis

Elementary writing skills from creative writing to research

"Writer's Workshop"

Mathematics

Develop the "mathematical mind"

The role of the concrete materials

Memorization made easy

The passage to abstraction

Hands-on, real-life math applications

Fractions

Elementary geometry

Mortensen math: basic operations, fractions and pre-algebra

Earth Science and Physical Geography

The creation of the Universe

Formation of the solar system

In-depth study of planet Earth

Tectonic plates and continental drift

Forces that shape the face of Earth today

Advanced land and water formations

Mapping skills

Prehistory

Develop a sense of the Earth's geology and biological prehistory through time-line studies

The evolution of our human ancestors

Bring prehistory alive through concrete experiences

Cultural Geography

Studies of nations and regions of the world

The needs of human societies emphasizing our community

Build a global perspective through international studies

The Study of Life: Botany and Zoology

The evolution of life on Earth

Biomes of the world

Classification of plant and animal kingdoms

The microscope in the elementary classroom

Hands-on experimental science

Classroom pets and plants

Outdoor education

Health and nutrition education

Physical Science: Chemistry and Physics

The nature of atoms

Study of the elements

Simple lab techniques

Study of natural phenomena

Simple machines

Children's science experiments

Art

Explore the theory, practice, and maintenance of a classroom-based art program